At Sapolu Destined Academy, we know that student success takes a village. A vital part of that village is our experienced and dedicated staff, who provide mentorship to students during their SDA journeys.
Our founder, Jesse Sapolu, has built a lauded career as a mentor. After completing a 15-year career as a player with the San Francisco 49ers, he founded the Men in the Trenches Academy (MITT), which specializes in training defensive and offensive linemen in the fundamentals needed to excel in their positions. From there, he co-founded SDA with his wife, Lisa, where they continue to help students become the best athletes, learners, and humans they can be.
According to a study conducted by MENTOR, 75% of Americans who had a mentor growing up attribute their success as an adult at least partially to having had a mentor. Here’s how the right mentors can help your student thrive—in academics, athletics, and beyond.
1:1 Academic Support
SDA’s academic curriculum is designed to provide students with a strong foundation in core subjects, while also allowing them to explore their individual interests and passions. Part of this exploration is facilitated with the help of our expert faculty, who are able to connect with students individually due to small class sizes, in-person lessons, and the capacity to meet and discuss students’ goals one-on-one.
Career Guidance
The idea of a career can feel overwhelming and abstract for a middle-school student. With a good mentor, however, those prospects feel more concrete—sweeping goals can be divided into more manageable chunks, and SDA students will likely be able to look to their mentor’s career trajectory for inspiration. Whether your student-athlete wants to play their chosen sport at the collegiate level, play professionally, or pursue other goals entirely, they’ll get the support they need at SDA.
Support—And Role Modeling—in Athletics
Our coaches are accomplished professionals dedicated to helping student-athletes develop not only the core athletic skills of their chosen sport, but also a strong foundation of discipline and confidence that will scaffold their athletic practices for years to come.
As with academics, SDA’s small-group instruction allows for close and personalized training. Our coaches will meet your student-athlete where they are and work with them to achieve their full potential.
Consistency and Steadiness
Beyond the particulars of sports or school, a good mentor can provide their mentee with a sense of stability: a consistent, positive presence who has their best interests at heart and pushes them to lead the lives of their dreams. Through the guidance and example of their mentors at SDA, students will learn the importance of becoming not only elite athletes and learners but also compassionate and empathetic leaders who work hard, manage their time effectively, lead well-rounded lives, and treat others with dignity and respect.
Want to learn more about the benefits of mentorship at SDA? Contact our admissions team.